Flu Facts

Flu Facts

Flu frenzy is rampant right now since flu has started earlier than usual in some states. The good news is there are new, powerful vaccines to help prevent your family from getting sick!

Flu season begins in October with peak flu season seen in January and February.

Flu frenzy is rampant right now since flu has started earlier than usual in some states. The good news is there are new, powerful vaccines to help prevent your family from getting sick!

Flu season begins in October with peak flu season seen in January and February. So, now is the time to get your family vaccinated against the flu.

There seems to be some confusion about which vaccine is best since there are 4 available.

Children between the age of 6 months and 2 years should receive a vaccine. The quadrivalnt vaccine is most effective since it protects against 4 virus strains: two A viruses and two B viruses. There is a trivalent vaccine available which protects against two A viruses and one B virus. There is more trivalent vaccine available so ask your doctor which one they will be giving your child. Interesting to note…these vaccines are preservative free.

Any healthy child over the age of two can receive the flu mist. This intranasal vaccine is sniffed and many of my patients love that they don’t have to get a shot! The flumist contains the live virus and is very effective at preventing the flu.

Moms and dads, you need to be protected too! If you’re 49 years old and younger and are healthy, you too can take the flu mist or you can choose to roll up your sleeves.

More Americans go their flu shots last years than ever before, so let’s keep that momentum! The flu vaccine takes two weeks to be fully effective and with flu cases already reported, it’s the perfect time to protect your family before the busy holiday season.

I’m Dr. Sue with The Kid’s Doctor helping parents take charge.

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Dr. Sue Hubbard is an award winning pediatrician and medical editor for www.kidsdr.com. She is a native of Washington, D.C. who travelled south to attend the University of Texas at Austin and never left.Read More